18R3516_QA_17-19.docx

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N32205-18-R-3516

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following are answers to questions received from potential offerors. The answers provide clarification only and DO NOT constitute an amendment to the solicitation.

17. Why is the deck requirement now a coplanar deck requirement when:

a. The previous two RFQ’s with the same equipment spread clearly allowed a multi-deck approach.

b. The equipment spread does not require coplanar locations nor has it ever required coplanar locations.

Answer: The Government mission system, as described in the PWS, will be containerized and placed on an ABS approved distribution system. Detailed footprint requirements are included in the PWS. Hardware design/configuration has matured with requirements captured in the PWS. The Government does not have option to reconfigure demonstration hardware for this charter period. A single deck configuration, consistent with the PWS requirements and diagram, is required.

18. Why has the noise criteria now changed to include recent ABS regulations which were non-existent until July 2018?

Answer: ABS regulations have been included as an alternate standard for industry, intended to open the aperture of vessel options to meet the government need.

19. Why has the mission period been reduced to 120 days firm with no extensions when the previous program had extensions allowed up to 319 days?

Answer: These are the days required under the revised requirement.